Sri City, March 26, 2024 – The International Research Consortium of Academic Institutions on SEZs, in collaboration with the Export Promotion Council for EoUs and SEZs (EPCES), convened a high-profile ‘Policy Forum on International Perspective of SEZs’ in New Delhi on Tuesday. The forum brought together key stakeholders including policymakers, bureaucrats, academia, industry leaders, and experts to address critical issues pertaining to Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy, Founder Managing Director of Sri City and Chairman of the National Council of SEZs and Industrial Parks (NCSIP), delivered profound insights during a panel discussion on ‘Growth Potential of Infrastructure: An SEZ Perspective’. Dr. Sannareddy showcased Sri City’s remarkable growth trajectory, transforming from a once ‘backward’ region into a thriving economic powerhouse. He emphasized Sri City’s role as a leading manufacturing destination in India, attracting investments from 29 countries and hosting 220 industries.
Highlighting Sri City’s integrated approach, Dr. Sannareddy stated, “We offer a comprehensive ecosystem comprising SEZ, Domestic Tariff Zone, Free Trade Warehousing Zone, and Electronics Manufacturing Cluster, fostering innovation and productivity.” He underscored Sri City’s commitment to sustainability and its provision of modern facilities, reliable utilities, and robust social infrastructure. He concluded by underlining the importance of planning, “Sri City is a model of how dedication and smart planning can turn a place into an economic powerhouse, bringing prosperity to the region.”
Dr. L. B. Singhal, the panel discussion’s chairman, former zonal development commissioner for SEZs, and other dignitaries lauded Sri City’s unique features. The conference opened with a welcoming speech by Mr. Bhuvnesh Seth, Chairman of EPCES, and was chaired by Mr. Alok Chaturvedi, Director General EPECS. Mr. L Satya Srinivas, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, was the chief guest. The objectives of the forum were explained by Prof. Holger Görg and Prof. Ari Kokko.
The forum featured technical sessions with eminent professors presenting international perspectives on SEZs and policies. Sri City’s participation underscored its role as a model of economic development and strategic planning, aligning with India’s vision of prosperity and growth.